Online Sales Hit Record High This Holiday Season

According to Mastercard SpendingPulse holiday retail sales increased 3.4 percent with online sales growing 18.8 percent compared to 2018. Digital’s 14.6 percent share of total sales was a new high, according to Mastercard.

Entry Process For SIMA Awards Now Open

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA)  announced that the Call For Entries for the 16th Annual SIMA Awards, celebrating the best of the surf industry from 2019, is now open. Established in 2003, the SIMA Awards strives to identify the surf industry’s most influential and innovative products, brands, media and retailers and recognize them for their efforts to advance and grow the industry.

AstroTurf Announces Changes To Organization

AstroTurf, the leading producer of synthetic turf, announced some extensive organizational changes. To manage AstroTurf’s considerable growth in the western United States, AstroTurf’s current PacWest region will now be realigned into Northwest and Southwest regions.

Super Saturday Breaks Records

Super Saturday on December 21 reached a record $34.4 billion in sales, marking the largest single-day in U.S. retail history, according to Customer Growth Partners. Super Saturday sales of $34.4 billion were 10 percent above Black Friday’s $31.2 billion total.

Moody’s Downgrades 24 Hour Fitness

The downgrade follows the weaker than expected EBITDA forecasts for the full year 2019 and 2020 as a result of a decrease in new member sales conversion and higher attrition rates. These factors contributed to a sizable decline in membership count and an acceleration in comparable club revenue declines in the third quarter.

Shoptalk And Groceryshop Acquired By Hyve Group

Shoptalk and Groceryshop, popular U.S. conferences in the retail, grocery and consumer packaged goods industries, have been acquired by Hyve Group plc, one of the world’s leading organizers of international exhibitions and conferences, for $145 million.

Vicis To Enter Receivership

Vicis Inc.,  the high-tech football helmet startup, announced that its board of directors voted to place the company into receivership.

Weav Music Raises Series A Funding

Weav Music, the audio innovation lab helmed by Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen and marketing visionary Elomida Visviki, announced a $5 million Series A financing round. The round was led by King River Capital; global fitness leader Peloton also participated, along with previous investors Passion Capital and Rivet Ventures.